Having a personal QR code is becoming increasingly popular as more people adopt digital solutions for sharing contact details. A QR code acts as a digital business card that allows you to instantly share your information with others. When scanned with a smartphone camera, a QR code displays stored data such as your name, phone number, email address, social media profiles, and more.
Creating a custom QR code with your contact details is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here are the key steps to get your own shareable contact QR code:
1. Find a QR code generator
The first step is to find a reliable QR code generator online that allows you to create customized codes for free. There are many user-friendly generators available such as QR Code Monkey, QR Stuff, and Kaywa QR Code Generator. Make sure to choose one that does not add a watermark or logo to your finished code.
2. Enter your contact details
Once you have selected a QR code generator, you simply need to enter your contact information that you want encoded in the QR code. This typically includes:
- Full name
- Job title or company
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website or social media URLs
You can customize what details to include to control how much information you want to share when your code is scanned by others.
3. Customize the look of your code
Many QR code generators allow you to customize the look and color of your code to match your personal or company branding. Options may include:
- Color – Select a single color or gradient for your code background.
- Shapes – Change from a standard square code to a round, diamond, or other fun shape.
- Logos – Add a small logo or icon image in the center of your code.
- Frames – Add stylish frames around the outer edge of your code.
Feel free to get creative to design a code that reflects your unique style!
4. Download image files
Once your code is generated with your details and preferred look, you’ll need to download it as an image file. Most QR code generators allow you to download your code as a PNG, JPEG, SVG or EPS file.
For maximum quality and resolution, opt for PNG or SVG format. I recommend downloading different file sizes like 500 x 500 pixels up to 1000 x 1000 pixels so you have flexibility for printing or displaying your code in digital formats.
5. Print your QR code
With your QR code image files, you can now print your code onto physical items like business cards, stickers, brochures, packaging, presentations, signs, and more. The key is printing the code in a large enough size so it’s scannable by smartphone cameras from a reasonable distance. Aim for at least one inch square in size for good scanability.
Some popular printing options include:
- Business cards – Add your code to the back of cards or enlarge it as the main background image.
- Stickers – Print full page sheets of your QR code sticker or add small stickers to existing cards/products.
- Signage – Post larger printed codes at events, on office/storefront doors or in presentations.
6. Add your code to digital assets
In addition to printing your QR code, you can also easily add your code to digital files, websites, email signatures, social media profiles and more. This allows you to instantly share your contact details across digital platforms and online networks.
Ways to display your digital QR code:
- Email signature – Add a small version of your code under your email sign-off.
- Website/blog – Embed your code image on your “Contact” page.
- Social media – Add your code to your profile bios or posts.
- Digital business cards – Share your code on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp etc.
7. Monitor your code analytics
One benefit of digital QR codes is that you can use free analytics tools to track how many people are scanning your code and where it’s being scanned. This provides useful data on the effectiveness of your QR code for sharing contacts.
Many code generators provide analytics within their platforms. You can also use Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager by adding tracking parameters to your QR code links.
Conclusion
Having your own custom QR code makes it effortless for you to share your latest contact information with anyone, anytime. In just minutes you can create a code with your details, customize the design, download it, and start printing or displaying it digitally.
As QR codes continue to gain popularity globally, having your own personal code can help you conveniently network both in-person and online. So pick a generator, design your code, and start connecting!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Find a QR code generator | Select a free, customizable online generator to make your code |
| 2. Enter your contact details | Input your name, phone, email, links etc. to encode in the code |
| 3. Customize the look | Choose colors, shapes, logos and frames to design your unique code |
| 4. Download image files | Save high-quality PNG or SVG files for printing and digital use |
| 5. Print your QR code | Add your code to business cards, stickers, signage and other print materials |
| 6. Add to digital assets | Display your code on websites, social media, email signatures and more |
| 7. Monitor analytics | Track scanning data to see your code’s effectiveness |
FAQs
What information can I include in a QR code?
You can customize your QR code to include any contact details you want to share digitally. Typical details are your name, phone number, email address, mailing address, website URL, social media profiles, resume link, etc. Include whatever is most relevant.
How do I generate a QR code for free?
There are many great free online QR code generators available like QR Code Monkey, QR Stuff and GoQR.me. Simply search “free QR code generator”, select one you like, enter your details and download your finished code.
Can I update or edit a QR code after creating it?
Yes, most QR code generators allow you to go back and edit or update the details in your existing code at any time. Just re-generate the code with the new information and reprint/update it across your assets.
What’s the best way to print a QR code?
For professional results, print your QR code through an online or local print shop. Options include business cards, stickers, magnets, signage, banners, brochures and more. Make sure the code is printed in a large, clear size for easy scanning.
How can I track my QR code analytics?
Many QR code generators have built-in analytics to view scan data. You can also use Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager by adding tracking parameters to the links encoded in your code. This allows you to see metrics on scans.
Do QR codes expire?
No, QR codes themselves do not have an expiration date and will scan indefinitely. However, if the URL or details encoded in your code change/expire over time, it may direct users to a broken link when scanned. So it’s good to re-generate codes periodically.
QR Code Use Cases
QR codes have many versatile use cases for both personal and business contact sharing. Here are just a few examples:
Personal QR Codes
- Replacing traditional paper business cards
- Sharing contact info at networking events
- Adding to your email signature
- Enabling quick connections on dating/social apps
- Displaying on your social media profiles
Business QR Codes
- On restaurant menus to view online menus or order
- On product packaging or labels to showcase more information
- At conference booths to capture attendee info
- On storefront windows or signs to share links
- On business cards and company swag/giveaways
QR Code Design Tips
Follow these tips to create an effective, scannable QR code for your contacts:
- Make sure the code links to a mobile-friendly landing page
- Print or display the code in at least 1-inch size
- Use high contrast colors like black & white for easy scanning
- Test your code after generating it to ensure quick scanning
- Place codes strategically in visible, easy to scan locations
- Re-generate your code if your contact details change
- Leverage printable stickers to add codes to existing items
- Use a frame or border to enhance visual appeal
QR Code Metrics to Track
Valuable QR code metrics to track using analytics include:
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Scans | Number of times the code was scanned |
| Unique Scans | Number of different people/devices that scanned the code |
| Locations | Geographic or general locations where scans occurred |
| Devices | Types of devices used to scan the code – smartphone, tablet, desktop etc. |
| Traffic Sources | Where the scans originated from – social media, email, event etc. |
| Conversion Rates | Percentage of scans that resulted in conversions like email sign-ups, purchases etc. |
| Scan Duration | How long on average users engaged with the landing page content |
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you are having issues with your QR code:
Code not scanning:
- Try rescanning at different angles and distances. Move phone closer or further away.
- Ensure adequate lighting. Codes scan best under bright, even lighting.
- Check for obstructions. Remove any dirt, glare, or objects blocking the code.
- Increase code size. Larger codes scan more easily than small codes.
- Boost code contrast. Bold, high contrast colors like black & white work best.
Broken code links:
- Double check the URL encoded in the code is active and redirecting properly.
- Update expired URLs by re-generating code with new active links.
- Use a URL shortener to create a reliable shortened link.
- Enable link caching to prevent broken links if site content changes.
Analytics not tracking:
- Confirm tracking parameters are added to code links.
- Check analytics filters to ensure scans are not excluded.
- Ensure your QR management software integrates with your analytics platform.
- Review tracking implementation with your dev team.
Conclusion
Getting a personalized QR code is a quick and easy way to digitize your contact information. In just minutes, you can create a custom code with your details, design it to match your brand, and seamlessly share it both online and off. As QR code use grows globally across individuals and businesses alike, having your own unique code makes networking, connecting and sharing your contacts better than ever.